Bill would allow Native graduates to wear regalia

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Advocates for a bill that would allow Native American students in Montana to wear Indian regalia at graduation ceremonies are attempting to force the bill onto the Senate floor.

A legislative committee earlier this week tabled a proposal that would allow Native American students to wear such regalia as embroidered beads and eagle feathers along with their caps and gowns.
Over the years, controversies have erupted not only across Montana, but in other parts of the country as students of color seek to blend the regalia of their cultural heritage with the pomp of high school graduation.
In Montana, school districts address the matter on an individual basis.
In Sidney, the school board recently decided to allow a student to wear a beaded cap after her principal initially rejected the request.